German Straight Razor
A standard German issue 7 inch by 1 inch straight razor, engraved with ERN and Wald / Solingen on the blade. This razor could have been an item collected from a German soldier, or purchased pre-war. It was carried and used by CQMS Herb Pike of the 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders of Canada during the […]
Escape Kit – Issued for landings at Pachino, Sicily
An escape kit consisting of a small “button” compass, a file enclosed in rubber, maps printed on silk to be worn as a scarf or secreted inside the uniform and a small sum of Italian Lire and French Francs. This kit was issued to certain select personnel on board the HMS Derbyshire en route to […]
4 pack of Alertness Drugs
A 2.5 inch by 4 inch blister pack of 4 Alertness tablets, issued to Canadian soldiers in WWII. The “Line” drugs are believed to be manufactured by Smith, Kline, and French in the UK. As a performance war in reaction to the German drug enhancement program of World War II. As early as 1919, Akira […]
Malaria pamphlet – 1943
A 4.5 inch by 7 inch brown pamphlet on malaria causes, effects and how to deal with this issue. Malaria was a significant issue for Canadian soldiers in the Mediterranean, for the 48th Highlanders particularly in Sicily at a temporary rest camp near the town of Militello. Malaria is a disease caused by a parasite. […]
Infantry Roll Book
A 3.25 inch by 5 inch brown canvas bound notebook. In this note book the owner kept track of how many rounds were issued to each soldier. Most likely this person was the Platoon Commander, Platoon Sergeant or Section commander.
Helmet issued to the Carrier Platoon 1943
A standard issue metal helmet used by soldiers in the battle field. This design was used by the members of the Carrier platoon of Support Company of the 48th Highlanders. Unlike the standard Canadian and British issue helmet, which was shaped like an inverted soup bowl with a rim, this helmet lacks a rim, making […]
Commanding Officer’s Jeep Flag
An 8.5 inch by 16 inch blue cotton flag with a red falcon. Carried by the Commanding Officer to indicate his whereabouts – whether at rest, on the move (flown from his jeep) or in action. Presented by Major Donald A. Banton
Issued Shave Kit
A 2 inch by 4.5 inch shave kit standard issue manufactured by Procter & Gamble under the Gillette brand. This kit belonged to A22587 CSM J.A. Johnston and he wrote his name and service number on the inside. The kit contains a razor with the handle removed for storage and a pack of razors.
St. George’s Chapel of Windsor Prayer Book
A black with red stained pages 3.5 inch by 6 inch prayer book. This Prayer book has the names 24 of the “D” Coy Platoon soldiers in ink on a page at the back of the Prayer book. It is thought this was owned by the platoon commander, or the Platoon Sergeant Major E.S. Lamb.. […]
Replica Battle Honours Map of the Liberation of Apeldoorn
A 9.5 inch by 5.5 inch hand drawn battle honour map depicting the Liberation of Apeldoorn. The maps were drawn by Brigadier Eric Haldenby for the 48th Highlanders’ Second War history Dileas by Kim Beattie. Liberation of Apeldoorn The liberation of the Netherlands, from September 1944 to April 1945, played a key role in the culmination of […]